RALPH: So, Brutus, the deed is done. Caesar is dead. And the Roman people are having a strong reaction, understandably, though it's not clear yet what they're actually feeling. They're certainly nervous, to say the least. As you arrive in the public square, they're shouting, "We will be satisfied." What does that mean exactly? Satisfied? 

BRUTUS: They want an explanation, simple as that. 

RALPH: It's kind of a vague request. It's hard to tell what they're feeling. 

BRUTUS: They probably don't know what they're feeling, which is why it's so important that I speak with them. 

RALPH: Well, so let's hear it then. What do you say? 

BRUTUS: It's pretty straightforward. I have a pretty good reputation with the people. So I start by reminding them that I'm a very honorable man. They know that about me. 

RALPH: Well, as you take your position in the pulpit, one of them says, "The noble Brutus is ascended." So you're right about your reputation with the people. Then what? 

BRUTUS: Then I remind them how much I love Caesar. 

RALPH: I can imagine, though, that that's confusing for them. If you loved him so much, why did you kill him? 

BRUTUS: That's my point. I loved Caesar, but I loved Rome more. 

RALPH: And by Rome, you mean them, the people you're talking to? 

BRUTUS: Exactly. Would they rather that Caesar were living and they died as slaves? 

RALPH: Hm, probably not. 

BRUTUS: Of course not. I loved Caesar. And for that, I'm sad that he's gone. And he did a lot to strengthen Rome. And for that, I praise him. He was a valiant soldier, and I honor him for that. But because he was ambitious, I killed him. There's tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honor for his valor, and death for his ambition. Would you want to be a slave, Ralph? 

RALPH: Me? No, of course not. 

BRUTUS: No one would. If there's anybody here who would rather be a slave, they should speak up. They are the only person I could have offended by killing Caesar. And no Roman wants to be ruled by a tyrant. Is there anybody here who would not be a Roman? They should speak up. They are the only person I could have offended with this action. 

RALPH: Wow. That's a powerful way to put it. 

BRUTUS: So what do they say? Is there anyone here who fits that description? 

RALPH: So you're actually asking them? Ah—hm—no, I don't think that there is. At least, they say there isn't. 

BRUTUS: Then I haven't offended anyone. I've done no more to Caesar than they would do to me if I were that ambitious. His death will be recorded in the official records. His greatness will be noted for all the good he did for Rome. And little will be made of his offenses, for which he suffered death. 

RALPH: Well, this all seems to be going pretty smoothly. You've made a quick and compelling case. And it's at this point that Anthony comes in with the body of Caesar. I guess it's his turn. 

BRUTUS: Yes, sure. But before he speaks, I want to say something about him. 

RALPH: Absolutely. Go ahead. 

BRUTUS: That though he had no hand in Caesar's death, he will be receiving the benefit of his dying, as will everyone. 

RALPH: Got it. 

BRUTUS: And with this, I part. That as I killed Caesar, someone I loved dearly for the good of Rome, I'm willing to kill myself if the day comes that my country and my people need my death. 

RALPH: Well, that just sends the crowd over the top. I guess they love what they're hearing. As you start to leave, the crowd chants, "Live, Brutus. Live. Live." And you hear other shouts. Some want to carry you in triumph back to your house. Some think there should be a statue of you in addition to the statues of your ancestors. You even hear shouts that now you should be Caesar and that what was good in Caesar should now be crowned in you. Sounds like they might want Brutus to be king. 

BRUTUS: Yes, well, we'll have to work on that desire for a king business. 

RALPH: Well, for the moment, they're getting quite excited, and they want to carry you to your home in celebration. 

BRUTUS: Well, no, they should stay and listen to Antony. 

RALPH: Are you really sure you want to do that? I mean, don't you already have the reaction you want from the crowd? 

BRUTUS: No, no, I said they should stay and listen. We've allowed Antony to speak. And they should stay and listen to all the honors of Caesar that Antony will speak of. 

RALPH: You're sure? 

BRUTUS: Yes, Ralph, I know what I'm doing. 

RALPH: Okay. Okay. Well, at that point you leave so that Anthony can do his thing. Thanks again for joining us. We look forward to having you back so we can hear how things are going. 

BRUTUS: Yes, I think it will be good for your audience to see a Rome free from tyranny. 

RALPH: Yes, I'm sure it will be very interesting.